As South African households continue to navigate rising living costs, finding practical ways to manage expenses has become essential. LG Electronics South Africa highlights how smarter home technology can play a tangible role in easing everyday burdens, with the potential to save households hundreds of Rands on electricity bills each month.
"From microwave ovens and refrigerators to washing machines and dryers, home appliances are now being designed with energy efficiency and intelligence at their core," says Carol Guedes, head of Home Appliances at LG Electronics South Africa. These innovations represent technical advancements, yes, but they also offer benefits that consumers can experience directly, contributing to both financial savings and environmental sustainability.
Identifying the real energy consumers at home
While geysers (water heaters) are often cited as consuming more than half a home's electricity, other common household appliances also contribute significantly to utility bills. Refrigerators, which run continuously, tend to be one of the largest consumers of kilowatt-hours (kWh), followed by washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, and microwaves. Lighting, often perceived as a major cost, typically accounts for no more than 10% of a small household's electricity bill.
"While using energy-efficient light bulbs certainly helps, the most impactful gains for reducing overall energy consumption will come from focusing on larger home appliances," Guedes explains.
Smarter tech, smarter savings
Guedes points to specific innovations among appliances that contribute to energy efficiency and tangible savings:
For a hypothetical household consuming 1,000 kWh per month, with a tariff of on average R3.63 per kWh in 2025, the monthly cost amounts to R3,630. Achieving even a 5% efficiency gain in key appliances could translate to a saving of R181 per month, while a 15% gain could save R544.
LG highlights particular product innovations:
- Microwave ovens with Smart Inverter technology: This technology allows the microwave to adjust its power output according to the food being cooked, defrosted, or reheated. This aims for faster and more even cooking, potentially reducing overall electricity demand compared to standard microwaves that cycle on and off.
- Refrigerators with Smart Inverter Compressor tech: This takes energy efficiency to another level and helps you save more. It comes with a 10-year warranty and provides super silent operation.
- Washing machines with AI inverter direct drive system: LG washing machines fitted with an AI Inverter Direct Drive system adjust motor speed based on the laundry load and fabric type. This aims to create more energy-efficient washing cycles.
These advancements are designed not only to reduce the environmental footprint of household operations but also to offer a tangible financial benefit over the lifespan of the appliance. LG indicates that its sustainable home appliances aim to provide energy-efficient solutions.
In a time when every Rand counts, LG's approach positions smart home technology as a tool for long-term savings, helping South African households manage their cost of living more effectively.
